The government has ordered the Marine Department to accelerate the construction of new and upgraded piers in Phuket, and neighbouring Phang Nga and Krabi.
The Transport Ministry says the work is needed to improve maritime connectivity in the Andaman provinces, in turn boosting the region’s economy. A trip offshore from Phuket or Krabi are still some of the most popular tours for visitors to the region.
The 740 million baht project is part of a push by PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her transport minister, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, to improve infrastructure and boost tourism in the region.
Two new piers will be built as part of the project: the Ao Po Ferry Pier in Phuket and Tha Len Pier in Krabi. Meanwhile, in the Koh Yao district of Phang Nga, both Manoh Pier and Chong Lard Pier are to be upgraded.
Deputy transport minister Manaporn Charoensri says the upgrades and construction work will mean smoother maritime connections between Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi. She adds that the piers will also reduce the journey time between Phuket and Krabi from 3 and a half hours (by road) to 2 hours (by boat).
Meanwhile, Marine Department director Kritpetch Chaichuay says 360 million baht in leftover funds from the fiscal years of 2024 – 2026 have been earmarked for the Phang Nga pier upgrades. Manoh Pier will get 175 million, while 185 million is being allocated to the work at Chong Lard Pier.
The upgrades to both piers will include additional and improved facilities, such as a new terminal for cargo and passenger vessels, a separate docking area for longtails and speedboats, a tourist centre, and a car park. Construction will use local architectural design and identity and will be done to a higher safety standard, according to Kritpetch.
The search for contractors to carry out the work is now underway, with work at the Phang Nga piers expected to begin this year.
Meanwhile, in Phuket, 280 million baht is being allocated to the Ao Po pier, while 100 million has been assigned to Krabi’s Tha Len Pier. This funding is being included in the 2025 budget, according to Kritpetch, with work on the piers expected to be completed in 2027.
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
